Ok, this is suspension related noise so bare with me here. I've read tons of info here and I'm glad you guy are here. There are 2 issues really, the clunking noise over speed bum or uneven surface at low speed coming from passenger side area and the twisting, groaning noise when wheel is lock to lock at passenger side also. The clunking/thud noise when the wheel is lock to the right is more like spring binding and it would "jerk" or "skip" the wheel. I think this is more like strut issue other than ball joint or tie rod since I can hear it coming from the top of the strut which could mean strut bearing.

The clunking noise looks like coming from Sway Bar End link. With the wheel on the ground, I could rotate the ball socket joint one way to produce the noise and stop the noise if I turned it the other way ( by bouncing the car up/down).

Took the tire off and tried to wiggle the sway bar and end link, didn't make any noise. Pre-load the lower arm with floor jack and I could wiggle the sway bar axially ( in and out) like in the video.

http://youtu.be/x2D_pkeoG1Y

I don't think it should move like that, the sway bar can twista a little axially but it should not move in and out like that. So, is it the sway bar bushing or the end link? Visually the end link looks fine and there is no wiggle when I pried it to indicate any looseness on the bolts.

Also, while at it I also wiggled the axle in and out, and there is about 1/4" play axially and made the noise like this video below. Is this normal?

http://youtu.be/0B4_mCCOCTc


Comments?

 

upper spring perch and strut mount.

Shouldnt be any play

 

Are you referring to the axle or for the end link or both?